Recess for Resilience

A school-based initiative promoting mental health and well-being

Recess for Resilience is a school-based initiative that draws inspiration from the successful Running for Resilience program, which has already gained momentum in promoting mental health and well-being within the community.

The walk, with students and staff gathering to join small groups for a casual walk around a designated route on our School campus. After completing a lap of the course, participants will have the opportunity to sit together, continue their conversations, and reflect on their wellbeing before returning to class.

The programme is entirely optional, offering students the flexibility to participate according to their comfort levels. It is designed to create a relaxed, supportive atmosphere that allows everyone to join in without any pressure.

Why is This Important?

The programme is designed to address several important aspects of student life:

  • The walk provides a relaxed space for students to talk about their mental health, reduce stress, and practice emotional regulation. It encourages students to be open with their peers and staff in a way that might not occur during regular school hours.

  • Recess is a natural opportunity for students and staff to connect outside the classroom. By walking together, they can build relationships and strengthen the sense of community within the school. These informal interactions are key to creating a supportive environment for everyone.

  • Physical activity is essential for overall wellbeing, and this short walk is an easy way to incorporate movement into students’ day. It provides a quick energy boost and helps to improve mood, helping students feel better both mentally and physically.

  • Programmes that combine movement with social connection have been shown to increase resilience and enhance mental health. Recess for Resilience is grounded in research and aims to provide structured, meaningful opportunities for students to improve their emotional and physical resilience.

Support and Supervision

To ensure the safety and wellbeing of all participants, the programme will be supported by a team of staff and student leaders. Staff members will be positioned at key points to provide supervision and support throughout the walk.

We look forward to walking with your children towards better mental health, stronger connections, and improved resilience.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Recess for Resilience is a free resource students can use at school during a scheduled recess session. It is an optional walking/running initiative designed to help students improve their mental health, emotional strength and social connections. The goal is to help students build resilience and the ability to cope with stress, challenges or difficult emotions, and recover from them. The program requires dedicated staff to run the program.

  • You can email recess@runningforresilience.com and we can set up a time for a casual chat about the program and to help get you started.

    We also have a podcast episode full of information available here

  • If you are all ready to get started, please email recess@runningforresilience.com and we will send you a starter pack and instructions on how to get started.

  • Please email recess@runningforresilience.com and we will have one of our friendly team connect with you.

  • No! We do not want staff to feel pressure that they must have a certain number of students each week for it to be successful. We do not measure our success based on numbers. 

  • No. We don’t want staff to feel extra pressure in anyway.  We want Recess for Resilience to fit in with the staff and the school. If it isn’t working, then it isn’t working, and that’s okay!

  • Feel free to email recess@runningforresilience.com and we will share resources with you.

  • Yes, we have a Recess for Resilience WhatsApp group. This is a place where everyone who is involved or interested can stay up to date, meet people and share stories. Please email recess@runningforresilience.com and let us know you would like to join.

Interested in starting Recess for Resilience at your school?